Marcus' Model Railway Journey

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said “I am really excited to say that this new timetable provides the biggest shake-up in service levels since the introduction of Intercity Express trains – providing more trains where they are needed most and reflecting changes in travel patterns.

“We will deliver more train services, serving even more stations, and providing greater value for money for taxpayers.”

Details of the revised timetable are now available in online journey planners and through Great Western Railway's Journey Check service at https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey

Anyone used to catching a specific train should check their journey in advance.

19th May 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Improvement works to begin at Chester Station​

As part of Transport for Wales’ (TfW) Station Improvement Vision, work to deliver improvements to customer facilities at Chester station will begin next month.

At the beginning of June MPH Construction will begin work on a number of upgrades that aim to enhance the overall customer experience of visitors to Chester station, including new branding and signage, a new passenger assist point, cycle stands, roaming mics and hearing loop systems, full station new CCTV system, toilet refurbishments on the concourse and platforms 4 and 7, a new changing place toilet, water refill unit, platform and concourse seating, waste facilities and LED lighting upgrades.

New Customer Information Screens will be installed throughout Chester station in current and additional locations.

This will increase the train service information on the platforms and within the station waiting rooms.

New screens will be installed for onward journeys, including bus information, and an interactive screen will be installed within the concourse.

Improvement works in the concourse also include, repurposing of the ticket office to create a new retail unit for the future, a new customer service desk with ticket selling facilities, additional ticket vending machines and a repositioned gateline with additional standard and wide aisle gates.

A new quiet room will be introduced as a place for customers who require a safe, isolated space while waiting for their train.

Lisa Cleminson, Stations Director said, “We are delighted to be progressing with this project. These station improvements offer tangible benefits to our customers and visitors at Chester. This significant investment introducing an array of new and upgraded facilities, will really enhance the overall customer experience.”

TfW is working closely with industry and local partners to minimise disruption during these works for both customers and the local community.

An essential work site compound will be in place during these improvement works in the Chester West car park from Saturday 27 May until early 2024 and will result in a small reduction in the number of spaces available in this car park.

Chester Station East car park will be unaffected.

Kim Hawkins, Group Station Manager said, “We are happy to see this investment in customer facilities throughout the station and I am confident that staff will support both our customers and contractors on site, to ensure we minimise disruption. We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure our stations are safe, accessible and welcoming places for passengers.”

The aim of these improvements is to provide an enhanced customer experience and work is currently scheduled to be completed by Spring 2024.

TfW is encouraging customers to plan in extra time to allow for potential disruption.

As part of TfW’s Station Improvement Vision, improvements at Flint and Runcorn East stations will begin later in the Summer, with Taziker contracted to carry out the works.

You can find out more about these station improvements at www.tfw.wales/chester-improvements

19th May 2023



NetworkRail:

Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route puts passengers and freight at the heart of a new five-year plan for the railway​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders | Wales & Western


Network Rail today published its £5.2bn, five-year plan (2024-29, Control Period 7 - CP7) for the railway in Wales and Western, that sees £1.9bn investment in the Wales and Borders route, that will focus on tackling climate change, improving train performance from current levels, investing in things that matter most to passengers and freight users, and making our ‘green’ railway, even greener.

In December the Department for Transport (DfT) published two key documents.

One set out what it wanted our railway to deliver (High Level Output Statement – HLOS) and the other, how much funding it was making available (Statement of Funds Available – SoFA).

Over the last two years, and more intensively over the past three months, Network Rail has been working on plans to deliver the best railway it can for the amount of money available - £44.1bn nationally for the next five-year period (2024-2029).

Funding for enhancements is not included in this funding settlement, with enhancements progressed by Government via the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline.

Sitting below the national overview is a more detailed plan to deliver a greater railway for the Wales and Western region, which includes the Wales and Borders route.

The plan for Wales route:

Is focused on our customers: by planning to deliver a more punctual and reliable railway than today and improving passenger and freight customer experience:

• Recognising the need to improve performance over the remainder of CP6 and giving passengers and freight users the highest level of train performance possible in CP7
• Improve our timetabling, enhance our operations capability and work closely with our industry partners to deliver train service performance
• Enhancing traffic management, incident management and driver advisory systems so our signallers can drive better, safer performance
• Undertaking critical renewals, including extending the life of signalling equipment in West Wales, renewing pumps for the Severn Tunnel, cable replacement in the Shrewsbury area, lift renewals and rewiring at Cardiff Central station, rewiring at Cardiff Canton depot, canopy and platform works at Chester, Shrewsbury and Newport, footbridge refurbishment at Bangor, Newport and Neath, making our track more reliable in the Cardiff area, and completing level crossing renewals on the Heart of Wales line
• More than doubling investment – to £73m for the Wales and Western region - in tackling climate change and making our railway more resilient and sustainable. This includes investment in earthworks and drainage renewals, and improvements to our capability such as the creation of dedicated earthworks and drainage teams, operational weather expertise, climate change adaptation strategy investment and continued investment in the Weather Risk Taskforce
• Our plans also include investment in the reduction of emissions and targeted net-zero initiatives, focusing on meeting Government objectives for biodiversity, air quality and waste.
• Focusing on value for money by making every penny count and targeting efficiencies of £482m across the Wales and Western region over the period

Supports all who use the railway: by continuing to put passenger, public and workforce safety at the heart of our plans:

• Investing in technology and innovation such as installing equipment on trains which monitors infrastructure condition remotely without needlessly sending employees onto the track
• Improving our network’s resilience so we respond safely to extreme and unpredictable weather and make our assets more resilient
• Deepening our safety learning culture, including establishing a “safe by design” mindset so we provide a safe workplace and tools

Supports economic growth and connectivity: our plans include investment in technology and research and development, and will facilitate the introduction of major projects including preparing for HS2 and other targeted investment across the country, along with:

• Supporting the continued growth of rail freight through an ambitious but realistic target of 6.9% growth across the Wales and Western region
• Working with stakeholders to deliver local priorities like metro style services in north, west and south west Wales
• Laying the foundations for GBR that will be key to the railway becoming more efficient through reuniting track and train. A reformed railway will see this settlement go further by enabling a simpler, better railway for everyone.

Network Rail’s chief executive, Andrew Haines, said: “As we look to the next five years, the Government’s commitment to invest £44 billion in the operations, maintenance and renewal of England and Wales’s railway is a clear indication of the strong economic value rail brings to Britain.

“Our plan for CP7 is ambitious, focussed on our passengers and customers and reflects the current complexities and challenges facing the industry. There will no doubt be obstacles ahead and I look forward to working collaboratively with the sector to deliver this plan, reshape the industry and build a railway that is fit for the future.”

Network Rail’s Wales and Western managing director Michelle Handforth said: “We are undertaking significant work over the next five years to provide a greater railway for the Wales and Western region.

“We are creating and operating a lifeline railway for the communities we serve, are a catalyst for socioeconomic growth, and are working hard to decarbonise so that we’re the greenest way to travel and do business.

“We are striving to fulfil our purpose with an innovative mindset, challenging ourselves to continuously improve, to deliver a better, safer and more cost-effective business.”

Network Rail’s funding is made available from governments over five-year periods, known as control periods, with control period 7 (CP7) starting on 1 April 2024 and running until 2029.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) will now review this initial strategic business plan and review how it measures up against the Government’s HLOS and SoFA and publish its draft determination on this plan later this year including targets, measures and incentives it will hold Network Rail to deliver over CP7.

Summaries of the national, and each region’s and function’s CP7 strategic business plan can be downloaded here

19th May 2023

Northern to hold one-minute silence on 6th anniversary of Manchester bombing​

Northern is to mark the sixth anniversary of the attack on Manchester Arena by honouring the memory of the attack's victims with a one-minute silence, at Manchester Victoria station next Monday, 22nd May at 12.00 mid-day.

A short prayer will be read by the Railway Chaplain for the victims' families and survivors and flowers will also be laid throughout the day.

Also next Monday, at 10.31 pm, the exact time the attack took place, Northern will observe another minute's silence.

There is a permanent memorial inside Manchester Victoria Station, which is managed by Northern, in an area near Soldiers' Gate to those who lost their lives at the arena.

There will be a place for visitors to the station to reflect on the occasion at a bench and a blossom tree which was installed at Soldier's Gate in 2021, and candles will also be available for people to light.

The attack happened at 10:31 pm on 22nd May 2017 at the end of a concert by the American pop singer Ariana Grande.

It was perpetrated by an Islamic extremist Salman Abedi and aided by his brother, Hashem Abedi, and caused the death of 22 people, injured 1,017 others, and destroyed the arena's foyer.

Northern's new summer timetable comes into effect this Sunday, 21st May.

All customers, especially anyone who is used to making regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check the new timetables before they travel.

More information about the changes and copies of the new timetable is available online at www.northernrailway.co.uk/timetablechange.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: “On Monday, we will pay our respects once more to those who lost their lives in the attack on Manchester Arena. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragedy and especially with the families and friends of those who lost loved ones.

19th May 2023



NetworkRail:

Passengers reminded to check before travelling as transformation of Ebbw Vale line continues​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Network Rail and Transport for Wales are urging passengers to plan ahead during a 19-day temporary closure of the line in May and June.

Engineers from Network Rail’s internal construction team will carry out track upgrades at various points between Crosskeys and Aberbeeg, to continue the creation of a seven-mile loop to enable trains to pass in the future.

Amco Giffen, one of the principal contractors, will continue the enhancements at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations to extend the existing platforms and construct the brand-new platforms.

Elsewhere on the line, contractors at Siemens will continue to upgrade the signalling around the Park Junction area.

This is all part of the multi-million-pound investment to provide an additional service to Newport in the future.

Transport for Wales will be running a bus service between Ebbw Vale Town and Cardiff Central from Wednesday 24 May to Sunday 11 June and passengers are urged to plan ahead at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “I’m pleased that we’re making good progress with the delivery of this major project by reaching another key milestone.

“Once complete, this project will transform services on this line, bringing a direct service to Newport.

“I’d like to thank passengers and local communities for bearing with us over this 19-day period, to allow us to carry out the large volumes of work as safely as possible.”

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer at Transport for Wales said: “The multi-million-pound investment into the Ebbw Vale line will allow us to run more frequent and more reliable services in the near future, bringing significant benefits to our customers.

“We understand rail replacement services can be frustrating in the short term, but the overall benefits will be worthwhile.

“We thank our customers for their understanding and patience while this vital work is taking place.”

This £70m project has been funded by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council via a loan from the Welsh Government.

The Department for Transport and Network Rail are providing a further £17m of funding to deliver the signalling upgrade and renewal work. 

Further line closures will take place on the following dates:   

• Sunday 18 June  
• Sunday 25 June  
• Sunday 2 July  
• Sunday 9 July  
• Sunday 16 July  

On the weekend of 10 and 11 June, major track work is taking place in the Severn Tunnel so there will be disruption for passengers between Cardiff and Bristol Parkway.

Passengers are being urged to check before travelling on the mainline, as well as on the Ebbw Vale branch line.

19th May 2023

TANGENT MAN STRIKES AGAIN!
Just when you thought it was safe to be informed only on railway topics!

Marcus's Garden

What on earth is this?

An attempt at taking a close up of something moving.

The focus appears to be on my tool shed.

A better shot near the garden swing.

It's a Hover Fly!

I love these guys, if you put your finger out slowly towards them, they will land on your finger.

My Mountain Ash Tree blossom.

Ah, we have a visitor!

The return of the Hover Fly!

I've identified this Hover Fly as Episyrphus balteatus!

This species is known as the Marmalade Hoverfly.

Many migrate to Britain each Summer.

This is the 'money shot'!

I should have disabled the flash though.

20th May 2023

Network Rail reveal five-year plan to improve Britain’s railway​

Network Rail has published its plan for developing the railway in England and Wales over the next five years.

During the next half-decade (2024-29, Control Period 7 – CP7), the company will invest £44 billion in improving train performance, tackling climate change, and what it describes as “investing in things that matter most to passengers and freight users”.

The government allocates funding to Network Rail's funding over five-year periods, known as control periods.

Control period 7 (CP7) starts on 1 April 2024 and runs until 2029.

In December the Department for Transport (DfT) published two key documents:

• High Level Output Statement – HLOS – which set out what the DfT wanted the railway to deliver
• Statement of Funds Available – SoFA – setting how much money it would make available to fund this.

Over the last two years, and especially over the past three months, Network Rail has been working on plans to maximise improvements to the railway within the constraint of the funds available.

After adjusting for changes in electricity costs, the £44.1bn is £1.8bn more than in Control Period 6 (2019-2024).

The CP7 funding package includes electricity costs for traction, which are passed straight to operators and which were £2.6bn in CP6 and will be £4.1bn for CP7.

This funding settlement no longer includes money for enhancing the railway, as capital projects are now funded separately on a case-by-case basis, but a further £96bn is available through the Integrated Rail Plan, much of which will be spent on enhancement work during the course of CP7.

As well as the the national overview, there are four more detailed, regional plans for England and Wales, and for national functions.

Scotland's Railway aligns the CP7 plans with Scottish Ministers' HLOS and SoFA, which was published in early February 2023.

We aim to publish the final Scotland CP7 SBP in Summer 2023.

Network Rail identifies the key features of its plan for England and Wales as:

• focusing on customers: by planning to deliver a more punctual and reliable railway and improving passenger and freight customer experience:
• recognising the need to improve performance over the rest of the current funding period (CP6) and giving passengers and freight users the best possible level of train performance in CP7 **
• renewing lifts and escalators, and improving lighting and passenger information systems to improve personal security and safety
• increasing investment more than twofold (to £1.6bn) in tackling climate change, and making the railway more sustainable and resilient, including: renewing earthworks and drainage; creating dedicated earthworks and drainage teams; operational weather expertise; climate change adaptation strategy investment; the Weather Risk Taskforce; reducing emissions; and implementing targeted net-zero initiatives which focus on meeting government objectives for biodiversity, air quality and waste.
• focusing on value for money and targeting efficiencies of £3.4bn
• supporting all who use the railway: by continuing to put passenger, public and workforce safety at the heart of our plans;
• investing in technology and innovation, for example installing equipment on trains which monitors infrastructure condition remotely
• investing £1.85bn in next-generation signalling that can improve reliability and train performance
• supporting economic growth and connectivity, including technology, research and development, and facilitating the introduction of major projects such as Transpennine Route Upgrade, preparing for HS2 and other targeted investment across the country
• supporting the growth of rail freight through what the company calls “an ambitious but realistic target” of 7.5% growth across the network
• laying the foundations for Great British Railways (GBR) that will be key to making the railway more efficient through reuniting ‘wheel and steel': track and train.

Summaries of the national, and each region's and function's CP7 strategic business plan can be downloaded here.

One of the regional plans is for the North West and Central region, with the main priorities over CP7 being:

• improved train performance, including substantial investment to prevent delays caused by adverse weather and climate change, by upgrading to reduce the risk of tracks flooding, implementing projects to prevent landslips, and upgrading overhead power lines and track.
• a focus on sustainability, including introducing electric fleet vehicles and employing the latest carbon-saving technology across offices and maintenance depots.
• improving infrastructure to improve passengers' experience and make the railway accessible for all, including major projects such as Transpennine Route Upgrade and preparing for HS2.

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's North West and Central region managing director, said: “Running a safe, green and efficient railway on the West Coast and Chiltern main lines along with the Midlands, North West and Cumbria is crucial to the country's economic success which is why our plan for CP7 is ambitious, focussed on our passengers and customers and reflects the current complexities and challenges facing the industry.

“Yet it's not only about running the railway we already have, but making sure it works in harmony with the construction of the new zero-carbon railway HS2 which continues at pace, and also East West Rail with services due to start running on Phase 2 by December 2024. This will no doubt be challenging, but when complete will transform Britain's railway – and this funding from Government means the North West and Central region will continue to be a foundation stone of these new rail routes for the future.”

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) will review Network Rail's initial strategic business plan and consider how it measures up to the Government's HLOS and SoFA documents.

The ORR will publish its draft determination on this plan later in 2023, and will include targets, measures and incentives that it will require Network Rail to deliver over CP7.

Network Rail's chief executive Andrew Haines said: “As we look to the next five years, the Government's commitment to invest £44 billion in the operations, maintenance and renewal of England and Wales's railway is a clear indication of the strong economic value rail brings to Britain.

“Our plan for CP7 is ambitious, focussed on our passengers and customers and reflects the current complexities and challenges facing the industry. There will no doubt be obstacles ahead and I look forward to working collaboratively with the sector to deliver this plan, reshape the industry and build a railway that is fit for the future.”

20th May 2023

Deutsche Bahn orders 17 more ICE 3neo trains from Siemens Mobility​

ICE Train

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has ordered an additional 17 ICE 3neo trains worth around €600 million from Siemens Mobility.

In July 2020, Deutsche Bahn ordered 30 ICE 3neo trains based on the Velaro MS platform from Siemens Mobility and called up 43 further trains in January 2022.

This latest order will take the fleet to 90 trains, completing the original framework agreement.

The new trains will be built at Siemens Mobility's factory in Krefeld and delivered by August 2028.

Siemens new ICE 3neo trains for Germany

With a top speed of 320 km/h, the ICE 3neo is one of the fastest members of the ICE fleet.

The eight-car trains have four different voltage systems to allow cross-border service on international connections from Germany to Belgium and the Netherlands.

They have 439 seats and numerous innovative features that provide improved comfort and convenience:, including:

• Special glazing that ensures stable mobile phone reception
• Eight bicycle spaces in each train
• Redesigned luggage racks with more space
• Lighting changes colour depending on the time of day
• Tablet holders and power outlets at all seats, including second class
• Extra doors to allow speedier boarding and alighting at stations
• A new door lift that provides easier access for wheelchair users

Siemens new ICE 3neo German trains

Dr. Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport, said “Deutsche Bahn will be undertaking a comprehensive rejuvenation over the coming years. This includes our nationwide rail network as well as our trains.

“This year we are already taking delivery of an average of three new ICE trains per month. And we are further accelerating the renewal of our fleet. In doing so, we'll also be relying on additional ICE 3neo trains from Siemens. The first trains to be delivered have been in service since December 2022 and are proving extremely successful,”

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said “With the delivery of 90 ICE 3neo trains, Siemens Mobility is providing a large share of DB's new capacity for long-distance passenger transport. The trains are based on our proven Velaro platform, ensuring short delivery times, long-term viability, reliable operation, and a speedier transportation transition.

“The first trains of the ICE 3neo family have been impressing passengers since December 2022 with their refined comfort and advanced technology.”

21st May 2023

Wabtec and MTR sign fleet modernisation deal​

Wabtec Corporation has signed a £12 million deal to modernise twenty-five Mk3 Battery-Electric Locomotives for MTR Corporation, based in Hong Kong.

There is growing demand for MTR's transport network, so the company needs to get the most from its fleet of locomotives.

The modernisation programme aims to extend the locos' service life by more than fifteen years, and to enhance their reliability and performance.

In hiring Wabtec to carry out this work, MTR is turning to the company which built the fleet in the first place, in 1996-97.

Having investigated the feasibility of modernisation work in detail, Wabtec will focus on three main areas:

• updating the locomotives' existing control electronics and the motor alternator control units, including a datalogger, which will provide comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
• replacing the battery charger units.
• designing and building new automatic test equipment to make sure that the newly-refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.

Engineers at Wabtec's UK and Hong Kong offices are leading the project and working with MTR.

Wabtec is currently working on designs and plans to deliver the first upgraded locos in 2024.

MTR also operates in the UK, including running Transport for London's Elizabeth Line, which opened last year.

Garry Mowbray, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President UK of Wabtec, said, “This order is a result of an extensive collaboration with MTR to define a project that will maximize the capital investment in the fleet.

“The tailored approach is designed to install the latest technologies where necessary to provide the greatest benefit to MTR's fleet. This project provides an innovative and lasting transportation solution unlocking the potential of one of our strategic customers assets.”

Mr. Kim-Hung Lee, MTR Corporation's Acting Chief of Operations Engineering Maintenance, added, “With Wabtec's extensive knowledge of this particular locomotive, I am confident that the project will be delivered on time and enhance the operational efficiency and performance of MTR locomotives.”

21st May 2023

North Yorkshire Moors Railway train involved in collision with car​

North Yorkshire Police has released a statement after they were called to a collision this afternoon in Newbridge.

Emergency services, including North Yorkshire's Air Ambulance, were called to reports of a collision involving a car and a train at a level crossing on Yatt's Road at Newbridge, which is located just north of Pickering.

The NYMR has said that the moving vehicle struck a generator wagon on the rear of the train at Newbridge.

Police say that one person, the driver of the car, has sustained serious injuries, and at the time that the statement was released, no other injuries have been reported.

A spokesperson from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) said: “We can confirm that there was a collision at around 14:00 on Sunday 21st May. A moving vehicle struck a generator wagon on the rear of the train at a Power Operated Gate Opener (POGO crossing) at Newbridge.

The driver of the moving vehicle has been taken to hospital.

No NYMR passengers or crew injuries have been reported.

The police and emergency services are in attendance and the heritage railway is doing everything it can to fully cooperate, taking every precaution to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers, which is always our priority.

As with all such accidents, it is currently being investigated by the RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Board).

Services will resume as of 4pm and for any further updates visit: www.nymr.co.uk

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said “Emergency services, including the air ambulance, are at the scene of a collision involving a car and a train on a level crossing on Yatt's Road, Newbridge near Pickering.”

“One person – the driver of the car – has sustained serious injuries.”

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area while emergency services attend the incident.”

We are awaiting more information from the emergency services

21st May 2023

Amtrak upgrades first class eating on USA’s North East Corridor​

USA passenger rail operator Amtrak has announced a new, premium dining menu for First-Class passengers on its Acela trains travelling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston Massachusetts and Washington D.C.

Passengers in Acela First Class will be able to enjoy a rotating selection of new signature dishes from STARR Restaurant Groups' renowned Northeast Corridor-based eateries, including Buddakan's Black Pepper Beef and The Continental Mid-Town's Chilled Sesame Noodles.

STARR Restaurant Group is led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, and runs many outlines in the areas that Amtrak's Northeast Corridor travels through.

Earlier this month, Amtrak announced that its trains will now be running faster on the Northeast Corridor, as it gained official approval to increase their maximum speed.

Acela II passes through Halethorpe, MD on its way to Washington DC for the first time

Acela has upgraded its wine list to include Pommery Champagne, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Landmark Pinot Noir and Daou Rosé.

For those travelling in the morning travellers will have the opportunity to eat pastries freshly delivered by local bakeries.

Amtrak has also worked to improve the calibre of food and beverages for its customers at Amtrak's Moynihan Train Hall Metropolitan Lounge, having introduced new café menus on the Northeast Corridor and at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges through its food and beverage partner, Aramark.

The Amtrak Bidup program allows Acela passengers who already hold tickets to bid on an upgrade to First Class, dependant on space and availability.

Amtrak believes that the introduction of these “sophisticated new offerings” from STARR Restaurants, along with Acela's upgraded wine list, “brings the First Class food and beverage service to the next level”.

Amtrak Vice President Customer Service Stations and Onboard Robert Jordan said, “Amtrak is pleased to partner with STARR Restaurant Group on new, premium meals designed to enhance the customer experience onboard Acela First Class. Incorporating the STARR touch on our menus helps us deliver the world-class journey our customers expect, and our latest food and beverage offerings are sure to surprise and delight.”

Restaurateur Stephen Starr said, “I've worked on some really cool projects outside the walls of our restaurants, but the opportunity to collaborate on a premium dining menu for Amtrak's Acela First Class might be my favourite project thus far. I've always loved train travel and I'm a frequent Acela First Class customer on the Philly to NYC segment, as are many of our guests. I'm excited to offer my fellow travellers restaurant-quality meals inspired by our popular restaurants in Philly and New York.”

21st May 2023


TANGENT MAN STRIKES AGAIN!
Just when you thought it was safe to be informed only on railway topics!

Marcus's Garden

Here's a Variegated Weigela, I have two others one dark leaf and one light green leaf.

All are in flower at present.

Harts Tongue Fern

This plant growing out of the wall is Valerian.

It also comes in a red and white form.

Valerian again, I only have the pink form in my garden.

A closer look at the Valerian's flower stem.

My Mountain Ash Tree in full blossom.

22nd May 2023

TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Graffiti Art project used to prevent anti-social behaviour​

A new community art project at Conwy Railway Station has engaged local students to help reduce trespassing on the lines.

In March, two new art pieces at Conwy station were completed by local graffiti artist Andy Birch in collaboration with students from Ysgol Aberconwy.

The pieces cover the inside of two shelters at the station and are inspired by local heritage and culture.

The project was developed to encourage a sense of ownership of the station in the local community and respond to recent trespassing events.

Conwy station was a hotspot for anti-social behaviour last year and a decrease in the amount of trespass has already been noticed.

Claire Williams, Community Rail Officer at Conwy Valley Railway Partnership, said: “The young people have absolutely loved it, it’s been amazing for them to get out of the school and be creative in the town.”

“We’re excited that we’ve been able to engage with them and create a sense of ownership over the station and the railway. We’re hoping, and there’s already been signs, that it will reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.”

Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategy Lead for Transport for Wales, said: “The pupils at Ysgol Aberconwy have been great and have been really involved in the project. For TfW, it’s important that our stations feel like a part of the community, and this work has really furthered that. It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to encourage this enthusiasm while also spreading vitally important safety information.”

Leyton Powell, TfW Safety, Sustainability and Risk Director, commented: “Transport for Wales is part of the community, and we positively interact through our stations, infrastructure, people and services. This is a positive however it’s important that we communicate to the public that trespassing on the Railway lines can result in devastating consequence. Trespassing is never worth the risk. It is both illegal and dangerous. This community outreach project is a great example of what TfW is doing to communicate and educate in an effective and collaborative way.”

22nd May 2023

Voting opens as 48 stations compete for title of ‘Britain’s best loved station’​

Stations across the country are preparing to compete for the title of ‘The UK's best-loved station' and to be declared as the winner of the World Cup of Stations 2023.

The competition is being held this week, 22nd to 26 May, which is Community Rail Week, and is designed to highlight the work of dedicated volunteers who support stations through the Community Rail Network.

It is being hosted by the Rail Delivery Group and the Community Rail Network.